Graffiti

CHVRCHES' song 'Graffiti' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of nostalgia, as the narrator looks back on their youth with a mixture of longing and regret. The opening lines, 'I'm writing to ask you; did you achieve all you wanted to do?' set the tone for a contemplative journey, questioning whether the dreams and aspirations of the past have been fulfilled. This introspection is further emphasized by the recurring theme of time, which is described as an illusion that once stood still but now seems to have slipped away.

The imagery of writing names on bathroom walls and graffitiing hearts across stalls serves as a powerful metaphor for the indelible marks left by youthful experiences. These acts of rebellion and self-expression symbolize the desire to leave a lasting impact, even in the most transient of places. The repetition of the line 'I've been waiting for my whole life to grow old, and now we never will' underscores the tension between the inevitability of aging and the yearning to hold onto the innocence and freedom of youth. It suggests a realization that the carefree days of adolescence are gone, and with them, the simplicity and spontaneity that once defined their lives.

The song also touches on the theme of lost innocence, as the narrator recalls a time when they 'didn't know wrong, didn't know right' and were 'making a mess and running in circles.' This portrayal of youthful recklessness and experimentation highlights the contrast between the past and the present, where the responsibilities and complexities of adulthood have taken over. The repeated refrain 'never will' serves as a haunting reminder of the irrevocable nature of time, emphasizing the finality of the transition from youth to adulthood. Through its evocative lyrics and melancholic tone, 'Graffiti' captures the universal experience of growing up and the inevitable sense of loss that accompanies it.